White Pocket

White Pocket is part of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, South Coyote Buttes area in Northern Arizona. The name itself is quite bland in comparison to what this area actually looks like. In my research I read about how difficult it is to get there since there are no developed trails and often times many people get stuck in the deep sand, even with a 4WD. Therefore I decided to play it safe and hire a professional guide. I went with Paria Outpost & Outfitters. A husband & wife owned company that has been doing tours in that area for about 25 years. Steve was my guide and I couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable, easy-going guide. Our day started at the Paria Outpost off of Hwy 89 right outside of Page. Another solo hiker joined us as we headed towards the Cottonwood Trailhead area. The trail drive was very bumpy, zig-zaggy and over an hour long. Steve was a pro at getting around the potholes, curves, deep sand, patches of rocks and ATVers that would come out of the blue. There are no bathroom facilities at White Pocket so be sure to take care of business before you go. When we finally arrived, you could see the califlower or "brain" formations in the distance. The quietness of the area blew me away, not a sound to be heard, no birds or anyone around. The day was perfect, around 65° not a cloud in the sky and the sun was bright and high. From the parking lot we walked about 100 yards until we arrived. I felt like I had just landed on Jupiter and was the only woman there. Steve told us the name White Pocket was given by local farmers due to the pockets all over the white rocks that fill up with water when it rains.

We came across 3 other people later in the day but no other visitors, which was PERFECT! Paria Outpost provides a bagged lunch and plenty of water which you will need. We spent several hours there, climbing, going into caves, looking at the rock formations and the amazing colors they contain, from yellows to oranges and swirls everywhere you turn. There are even hieroglyphs that we saw high up in one of the caves. It was incredibly hard to leave such an amazing place which is roughly 3 miles all together, but feels like it goes on forever. It was so much fun climbing and walking along the most unique rock formations I have ever seen in my life. I felt so privileged to have gone to such an awe-inspiring place where you can see God all around. As White Pocket becomes more popular, my hope is that people can enjoy it but respect the area and leave it pristine. We came across 2 BLM (Bureau of Land Management) workers that told us that they found a few spots where some vandalism and graffiti occurred, and while we did not see any, it sickens me to think that anyone can be that ignorant. As I headed back to Page that evening, I kept thinking about how much I love the Southwest and all the cool places I've been to so far, but White Pocket takes the Southwest experience to another level. It possibly might be my favorite natural wonder of all time.